6 hrs ago
US Withdraws B-1 Bombers From UK Base After Security Concerns
The United States moved its B-1 bombers away from a British air base.
The planes had been at RAF Fairford during the conflict involving Iran.
Five men were arrested nearby because officials suspected they were planning an attack.
They have since been released on bail, but the investigation is continuing.
Investigators found petrol in their vans, but no explosives.
A British official said there were strong signs Iran might be involved.
Iran rejected that claim.
A security expert said the planes could have been vulnerable to drones or other attacks.
The Pentagon confirmed all US B-1 bombers deployed at RAF Fairford returned to their home stations in the United States.
Five men arrested near the base on suspicion of plotting an attack have been released on bail and remain under investigation.
UK investigators found petrol in the men’s vans but no explosive devices.
Prime Minister Andy Burnham said there were strong indications of Iranian involvement; Iran denied the allegation and called it baseless.
Security expert David des Roches said the aircraft were exposed to possible drone or mortar attacks and argued they needed better protection.
- Who
- The United States withdrew its B-1 bombers; five men were arrested near RAF Fairford, and UK authorities are investigating.
- What
- All US B-1 bombers deployed at RAF Fairford returned to their home stations amid security concerns following arrests over a suspected plot.
- Where
- RAF Fairford in Gloucestershire, England, and the bombers’ home stations in the United States.
- When
- The bombers were observed leaving on Sunday; the articles do not specify a calendar date.
- Why
- The withdrawal came amid security concerns and an investigation into a suspected attack plot near the base; the Pentagon did not explicitly state its reason.
UK suspicion
Iranian denial
Possible Iranian involvement
UK suspicion
Andy Burnham said there were strong indications of Iranian involvement, while British authorities were investigating possible foreign-state involvement.
Iranian denial
Iran denied any involvement and described accusations linking Tehran to the alleged plot as baseless.
Bomber security
UK suspicion
David des Roches argued that the aircraft were exposed and vulnerable to drone or mortar attacks, and that protective cover was needed.
Iranian denial
The Pentagon confirmed the aircraft had returned to the United States but did not publicly give a reason for the movement.
Key facts
- Aircraft withdrawn
- All US bombers deployed at RAF Fairford; the article identifies B-1 bombers.
- Aircraft previously stationed
- About a dozen B-1 bombers.
- Arrests
- Five men were arrested near the base and later released on bail.
- Investigation findings
- Petrol was found in the men’s vans; no explosive devices were found.
- UK assessment
- Prime Minister Andy Burnham said there were strong indications of Iranian involvement.
- Iran’s response
- Iran denied involvement, rejected the accusations as baseless, and summoned the British ambassador.
- Expert assessment
- David des Roches said the aircraft were exposed and potentially vulnerable to drone or mortar attacks.
Quotes
Pentagon spokesman
Spokesman for the US Department of Defense
“While operational security precluded us from confirming the movement of our assets and forces in real-time, we can acknowledge now that all US bombers that were deployed to RAF Fairford have re-deployed to their home stations in the United States.”
livemint.com
“We need to have overhead cover in some protection for these aircraft. The ability to provide that is probably greater in Texas and South Dakota than it is in Gloucestershire.”
livemint.com
Sources
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